As the National Weather Service warns that Wednesday, January 30, 2019 could be one of the coldest days on record, Akron area organizations charged with aiding the homeless are working to ensure that everyone will have access to shelter.

Community Support Services, Inc. operates the Homeless Outreach and Intake Center at 111 E. Voris Street, Akron; bringing supportive services for persons experiencing homelessness under one roof. Individuals who are homeless or at risk for homelessness, have symptoms suggestive of severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder, and who is not already active in mental health and/or addiction treatment is eligible to utilize all the services at the Center. If a homeless individual does not meet program criteria, outreach workers will attempt to connect the individual with other community agencies and services. The Homeless Outreach office can be reached at 330-762-4663.

Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 E. Market Street, Akron, is accepting admissions at all hours in preparation for the cold.

The City of Akron has opened warming centers at the following locations:

Mason Park Community Center, 700 E. Exchange Street

Patterson Park Community Center, 800 Patterson Ave (North Hill)

Summit Lake Community Center, 380 W. Crosier Street

Lawton Street Community Center, 1225 Lawton Street (near West Side)

All these warming centers will be open from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm. According to Bob Stokes, President and CEO of Community Support Services, “Recent studies have shown that approximately 700 homeless individuals die each year due to hypothermia. With this dangerous polar vortex forecast this week, we are reaching out to the homeless men and women throughout our community in as many ways as we can to give them this potentially life-saving information.”

Community Support Services, Inc. is a leader in behavioral healthcare for Summit County and the surrounding region. The agency provides comprehensive, high quality, cost-effective treatment, rehabilitation, advocacy, and support for recovery, primarily to persons most in need, to enhance the quality of their lives.

Meanwhile, the Salvation Army of Summit County is responding as well:

(Salvation Army) Local offices of The Salvation Army in Akron and Barberton will be open as warming centers as temperatures are expected to drop to what could be record lows in the area this week.

· Both Summit County Salvation Army locations will serve as drop in center/warming sites Tuesday through Thursday, January 29 through January 31, 2019. · Hours for the downtown Akron location, 190 S. Maple Street, south of St. Vincent de Paul Church on West Market Street, will be from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.· The Barberton location, 560 Wooster Road West, will be open from 9:30AM to 4:00PM.· Donations of new or clean, gently used winter hats, scarves and gloves in all sizes will be appreciated and accepted at both locations.

In Stow, City officials have designated one warming center:

A Warming Center has been designated at the Community Room at Stow Safety Building. The facility is located on the Stow City Center Campus at the corner of Graham and Darrow Roads in Stow. (3800 Darrow Road.) This opportunity will be available Wednesday and Thursday, January 30 & 31, 2019, at which time weather conditions should return to the normal range.

Don’t miss The 25th Akron Home and Garden Show at the John S. Knight Center February 15th thru 17th. The Akron Home and Garden Show features the latest products and ideas that local homeowners can use for their next home and garden project. There will be over 170 vendors, demonstrations, food, and much more! Homeowners can look towards experts to help create their dream homes! Visit akronhomeandgarden.comfor more information and to purchase tickets!